Today I am Grateful...

I've had a weird couple of weeks -- last week was really strange. I felt very anxious and out of sorts all week. I kept feeling like I was forgetting something -- and then I did actually forget to take my youngest to an appointment one day. Completely forgot. I don't normally do that.

Yesterday I was reading an article in a magazine and it mentioned something about the "voice" in our head that is constantly feeding us dialogue and how a lot of us have a large amount of negative dialogue. For me -- that is very true. I am constantly thinking in my head of my downfalls and weaknesses. I am also often dwelling on a few very difficult situations in my life and they get me down or make me anxious and quite stressed. And try as I might to push them out -- they are always there, even if just in the background. I know it alters my behavior on the outside. It often slows me down or makes me tired.

On the flip side -- I feel incredibly blessed and think I have a pretty good handle on what is truly important. Sure I get upset about things that really don't matter or overreact to things that I shouldn't. But I know without a doubt that I am a lucky, lucky girl.

So today I am going to list a few things I'm grateful for -- I'm sure I've said them before -- but really, you can never say them enough.

I am grateful for my youngest son, who greets me every single morning like he is GENUINELY excited to see me. He gives me a huge hug, the sweetest smile and says quite emphatically, "Good Mornin' Mama!" like it's the happiest moment he's had in a long time!

I am grateful for a daughter who is happy-go-lucky and loves to have girl time with her Mommy. She is a loving sister and has a giving heart.

I am grateful for my oldest son who despite a tendency to be too grumpy -- has a sweet, caring heart and compassion for all living things. He also is very smart and really, at just eight years old he teaches me things about his favorite subjects (animals mostly) pretty much all the time.

I am grateful for my husband who works, which allows me to stay home. Yes, we struggle somewhat and he has a hard time with that -- but deep down I know he is glad I have been able to be with our kids while they're little.

I am grateful for my mom, who is always there for me no matter what. I know she feels I'm not living my life as she would like (mostly in regards to our faith), but she also knows more than anyone what my struggles are and she is able to let me "unload" to her -- something I feel I can't really do with anyone else.

I am grateful for good friends who are there when I need them.

I am grateful for my dog who is patient, loving and a good listener! :)

I am grateful for a roof over our heads and sunshiney days.

I am grateful that I have a faith that keeps me going and gives me strength.

What are you grateful for today?? Leave me a comment telling me one or two things you are thankful for and I will put your name in a drawing for a little prize! How does that sound?

Happy Wednesday!